Kopi Cine - Straits Collection

This is where I almost convinced that my return to Malaysia could be a too-late venture. Although I have doubts about the logo sign where the color and fonts were hardly seen, all other aspects of the cafe, reading room and the residential area were very good - almost perfect for Penang. We have wasted too many time, the culture in M'sia is growing.

We were full when we visited Kopi Cine, so we just ordered ice cream gula Melaka because the lady there kept recommending:) And it was good. We had also drawn on the table paper because there were crayons on the table. And voila! This was my first artwork after my return to M'sia. (Probably the paper gone into rubbish can soon after we left...)

siTigun

Our first visit to a cafe in Penang island - siTigun. It was just located near ArtBug on Jalan Nagore. We was told about the owner's story of cycling, and his effort in trying to make good coffee. And the coffee tasted really nice. However, the food & dessert were not as good as we had expected. But we heard that there are customers going there everyday just for the Tiramisu. Not sure whether it is true, or why the customer likes the Tiramisu that much. Sadly for me, it was not the Tiramisu that I am looking for.

Anyway, personally I like the way the owner build the cafe. The handmade and homelike feeling, and especially the suggestion they made - to visit by a bicycle. I think this is the culture Malaysian should keep on building.

Paris Seveille

We paid a last visit to Paris Seveille before we left Japan. We were not sure when can we enjoy the cakes or anything similar to them again, but we believe we can. Au revoir!

Cafe des Deux Moulins

On our third day staying at Montmartre, we went to this cafe after the visit to le Moulins de la Galette. I did not know that there is an actual cafe for the film Amelie, but I found it while searching for places to visit around Montmartre. And since it is very near to Moulin Rouge, I decided to take a look on the way.

At first, I did not even know that it is called Cafe des "Deux Moulins" despite my visits to both Moulins de la Galette and Moulins Rouge. They just looked so special and attractive.

I do not remember much about the scene in Amelie, but I think the cafe still has parts of the feel from the film. The curved counter and ceiling decor reminded me about the touch.

We were not really in a mood to have anything after our lunch, but we ordered the creme brulee because that is what I remembered most about the film. And I think most of the visitors did that because even if we cannot find the item on the menu, and we merely asked for a dessert menu, the waiter asked whether creme brulee is what we were seeking. And it tasted good:)

Unexpectedly, we decided to stay longer there because it was very warm inside and we like the atmosphere too (Actually, I think my wife wanted to stay longer because she found WIFI there:p). Well, that created a chance for me to visit the toilet, which I think who ever saw Amelie knows how special a place the toilet is...

We left the cafe after one or two hour, after crowds of tourists coming in and out. A cafe with mostly the memory from a famous movie, I wonder what was it like long before it became famous.

Le Parvis

We happened to find this cafe during our visit to Chartres. It is just located by the Chartres Cathedral. My wife insisted to go into the cafe because she thought the cave-like interior is very interesting. And she's right. The interior was something that we had not seen before. It was just like going back to ancient time and have cafe time there. Moreover, I like the way they add modern elements which make the space alive. I think this is a good way for us to learn how to appreciate and utilize the architectural assets we have today, and stop the keep-on-building-for-the-sake-of-economy-and-personal-satisfaction.

Le Moulin de la Galette

One of the question that I had in mind when visiting Paris is - where is the line between a restaurant and a cafe? It might be a very stupid question, but I need to know. Le Moulin de la Galette is no doubt a restaurant, as it is mentioned in their official homepage, but I felt a very strong "cafe" feeling while I was there. Maybe it is the vague definition of "cafe" in myself. That is why I am uploading the feel I had to this blog:)

Le Pain Quotidien

We found this place when we stayed near Louvre. It was totally unexpected because we could not see or imagine the interior from outside. But luckily it turned out that it was a very nice & comfortable place, with the organic food which were so delicious. If only we could visit it again... :)

Les Deux Magots

Here are some photos taken at Les Deux Magots, Paris. It was a great time having desserts here. It is really worth it to see a cafe with tradition but still very active now.

Fun with espresso

For me, making espresso is like creating art pieces - not the latte art, but more about my own art. I know what really matters in espresso is the bean, the taste, the aroma, etc. But just can't help it to play around.

These are my first attempts using cocoa powder/chocolate syrup to add some textures. Now I know how it works, we are going to have more fun next time:)

Yes, fun with food!

home made cafe - again

Last week, LC had made her pudding to a certain level - that we do not need to buy any from supermarket ever from now - but I am still having hard time with my espresso. Although she said that my cappuccino tastes like those in the cafe, I think there is still a long way toward successful crema. Luckily, I had some good news from my venture in bread baking.

Yesterday was my 2nd try in baking walnut bread with maple syrup. I failed again in creating the desired shape, but I managed to bake a softer one. And it tasted sweeter than my first attempt. Furthermore, I ate the bread this morning and it was still very soft and nice. I know it was just a very simple bread compare to those in the boulangerie, but I think I deserve some little compliment for making the bread in a very small kitchen with the space limited to no more than 20cm wide ( and yes, LC deserves it too:) ).

Anyway, I believe the failures in my bread baking will be the road to success, just like my espresso. Little but not less, finally I saw my crema coming out. From brewing an espresso too fast in a few seconds, I saw the light after changing the bean's grinding last week ( the first picture below ). And yesterday after I changed the tamping pressure, I got more crema ( the second picture ). It was not the latte art that I had wanted, but at least I think I am on the right path:)

Actually, I was thinking to make a mocha yesterday but it was a waste not to try the crema so I ended up with a cappuccino. So many to try and so interesting, with an artist ended up making art in brewing and baking... haha. I hope I can start drawing and painting with my food soon:)